Social and Political Philosophy

6 credits · Undergraduate

(3 hrs Lecture) This course is a critique of attempts to give ethical justification for social institutions and practices. Why should one obey the state? When is disobedience justified? Are there any inalienable and absolute human rights? What are the conditions and limits of liberty? Why and when is it moral to punish? Is free enterprise consistent with principles of justice? Is it ever right to engage in war? Readings will include the work of some of the following: social contract theorists, utilitarians, Hegelians, Marxists, existentialists, and analytic philosophers. Cross-listed: POL-2200(6). Restrictions: Students may not hold credit for this course and PHIL-2205 | POL-2200.